Giants' Pat Shurmur: Playing through adversity will help NYG in the long run

Eli Manning: "We are starting to build that winning culture back"

By Deesha Thosar | Dec 17 | 9:15PM

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Lots of football left for Giants00:01:26

Even though the Giants are out of the playoffs, there's still a lot for them to play for this season in their final two games.

In a season that's been a roller coaster ride of emotions -- rookie running back Saquon Barkley breaking records, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. getting sidelined with a quad injury at the most critical of times and losing safety Landon Collins to a season-ending shoulder surgery -- the Giants have seen their fair share of success and adversity.

Head coach Pat Shurmur said learning how to win again and playing through adversity are two things that factor into future roster-shaping and the team's subsequent goals.

"I want all our players to be back. I really do," Shurmur said. "I believe experience matters. I believe that what we're trying to learn to do -- we've grown two games better than we were a year ago here [improving from three to five wins]. We've got two more opportunities."

Why Eli Manning is the best option the Giants have at QB next year

A look at the Giants' QB options show sticking with Manning makes most sense

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The words Phil Simms used - "absolute guarantee" - may have been a bit strong, but the former Giants quarterback is exactly right. Despite what happened on Sunday, despite a generally down season, it remains very likely that Eli Manning will be the team's starting quarterback in 2019.

That's because Giants managements understands that even though Manning will turn 38 in a few weeks and has struggled at times this season, he remains their best option - and probably by far.

That's why the Giants haven't ruled out a Manning return, as SNY has been reporting for months, and while no decision has been made several team sources have indicated that scenario is increasingly likely.

Giants give injury update on Odell Beckham Jr.

Pat Shurmur is 'hopeful' Beckham can play on Sunday, has no plans to shut him down

By John Healy | Dec 17 | 12:34PM

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New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. catches the ball during warm-ups before facing the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. (Danielle Parhizkaran/USA TODAY Sports)

Despite the Giants' slim playoff hopes being officially shattered with a 17-0 loss to the Titans on Sunday, Odell Beckham Jr. could still play the final two games.

The star receiver is battling a bruised quad, which he called a "hematoma" in a Facebook video on Friday, yet head coach Pat Shurmur said that he will not shut Beckham down for the season if he is cleared to play.

"No. He's like every other player and we're trying to get him back this Sunday," Shurmur told reporters on Monday. "He's a valuable member of our team...if he's healthy we'll get him out there."

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- For weeks, Pat Shurmur has made it clear his offense has to run through Saquon Barkley. And the Giants were thriving since he seemingly made that discovery during their bye week.

Barkley, he decided, was the Giants' best player. He was becoming one of the most unstoppable forces in the NFL. It seemed painfully obvious that everything they do should run through the super-rookie.

So why was he made to disappear on Sunday, just when the Giants needed him most?

Five New York Giants Takeaways from Week 15's loss to the Titans

The offense is still basically broken and Big Blue's slim playoff hopes are no more

The Giants couldn't get any offense going on a wet and rainy day against the Titans, falling 17-0.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Giants' longshot playoff hopes died on Sunday in a way that seemed perfectly fitting for this season.

They were shut out.

One week after they scored 40 points in Washington, the Giants' offense reverted to its pre-bye week form in a 17-0 loss to the Tennessee Titans. They couldn't get anything going at all - not even behind super-rookie Saquon Barkley. And in a steady rain with some gusty winds, Eli Manning was terrible, completing 21 of 44 passes for 229 yards and an interception, plus a lost fumble.//

The Giants have been eliminated from playoff contention

Big Blue's Wild Card dream died the week after their NFC East dream died

The Giants' no-show loss to the Titans coupled with the Vikings' win over the Dolphins officially eliminated Big Blue from playoff contention on Sunday afternoon.

With the Giants now at 5-9 and the Vikings (who hold the second and final wild card spot) at 7-6-1, it doesn't matter what the Giants or any team between them and the Vikings (and there are a bunch) do the last two weeks...

Giants QB Eli Manning's future with Big Blue isn't in doubt, at least according to former Giant and current CBS NFL analyst Phil Simms.

"I think it's an absolute guarantee that Eli Manning will be the starter for the Giants next year," Simms said Sunday on the CBS pregame show. "In the Draft, they're not going to get anybody. And I think he'll be there not only next year. But I think he has a chance to start in 2020."

Giants QB Kyle Lauletta's time as Eli Manning's backup is over, at least for now.

A week after struggling badly in his professional debut, Lauletta is inactive with Alex Tanney serving as Manning's backup as the Giants face the Titans at MetLife Stadium. Lauletta had been the backup for two weeks.

During Week 14's blowout win over the Redskins, Lauletta went 0-for-5 with an interception, badly missing his receivers and looking like a deer in the headlights at times.

The 5-8 Giants need to keep winning and get lots of help

That's what the Giants' playoff hopes have been reduced to in the wake of their 1-7 start to the season. It's actually remarkable that they're even still in the NFC wild-card chase at 5-8, just 1 ½ games out of the final spot with three games to go. It's not even impossible for them to get in at 7-9, which is how crazy -- or perhaps awful -- this race is.

Still, the Giants probably need to win their final three games, beginning on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. And they almost certainly need help from perhaps as many as seven other NFC teams. And they might need it fast from some of them, because if the Giants lose to the Titans they will be eliminated this weekend if either the Vikings, Redskins, Eagles or Panthers win...

The Week 12 hit has cost Beckham at least two games

By John Healy | Dec 15 | 10:08AM

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Oct 22, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) reacts after the offense was unable to convert a third down in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports (Jason Getz)

The player responsible for Odell Beckham Jr.'s bruised quad is now facing repercussions.

The Giants' star wide receiver took time to get the words off his chest in a Facebook video on Friday night, expanding on the injury that's shelving him for at least two weeks.

Beckham said he initially injured his left quad during the Giants' Week 12 game against the Eagles when he was tripped on the final play, but still played the following week against the Bears.

"And there kinda was just like this little hematoma, or bruise, whatever you want to call it. And it was just there," Beckham said. "I worked on it. I got it dry needled. I got the same kind of treatments I had done."

Giants' Saquon Barkley voted top running back for NFL Pro Bowl

Plus Beckham Jr., Collins, Rosas all finish in top 10

Dec 14 | 5:57PM

With the NFL Pro Bowl fan voting finished, Barkley was the top running back in the league with 987,562 votes. He also finished third overall in fan voting with Saints QB Drew Brees (1,270,631) and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (1,197,370) ahead of him.

Barkley is a Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite as he has tallied 1,124 rushing yards on 209 carries, 629 receiving yards on 78 receptions, and 13 total touchdowns over 13 games.

Beckham's injury is being called a bruise, but after having to miss last Sunday's win over the Redskins, it appears to be more than that. And when reporters asked Thursday what exactly is ailing Beckham, the star receiver answered as straightforward as he could be.

Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. will not be practicing on Thursday and is being sent for further evaluation on his quad injury, head coach Pat Shurmur said.

Shurmur added that Beckham being sent for tests doesn't mean he had a setback, and word from the Giants -- according to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano -- is that they're simply trying to be cautious to make sure the injury is nothing more than a bruise.

The star receiver said he "won't know until Sunday gets here" as to whether or not he'll be able to play against the Titans. He did, however, add "I'm feeling better every day."...

"He killed a guy, and I'm mid-run like, 'Whoa.' That was impressive"

Looking at the stat sheet after the Giants 40-16 rout of the Redskins Sunday, it would have been easy for anyone to give the game ball to rookie RB Saquon Barkley. He finished the game with 170 yards rushing with a touchdown on 14 carries to go along with four receptions for 27 yards.

Shepard's stat sheet didn't jump off the page one bit with two catches for 17 yards and a touchdown. But it was what he did off the ball that had the entire locker room in agreement he deserved the game ball, and Barkley explained the one play that stood out the most.

Giants Injury Report: Odell Beckham Jr. limited at practice again

Beckham is still dealing with a bruised quad

Dec 12 | 3:26PM

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. catches the ball during warm-ups before facing the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. (Danielle Parhizkaran/USA TODAY Sports)

WR Odell Beckham Jr. was a limited participate at Giants practice on Tuesday after missing Sunday's win over the Redskins with a quad injury.

Beckham has been dealing with a bruised quad since the Giants' game against the Eagles on Nov. 25. However, he had not been limited in any capacity before last Friday. It is unclear if Beckham will return Sunday against the Titans at MetLife Stadium.

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur had been adamant that Beckham would play in Washington, but sources told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano that the quad stiffened up on the receiver Saturday, prompting the Giants to rule him out.

Giants S Landon Collins undergoes surgery on left shoulder

Recovery is expected to be 4-6 months

Dec 12 | 9:27AM

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New York Giants' Landon Collins (21) returns an interception for a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)

The revisionist history from the Giants is that they were never in a win-now mode, even though almost every move they made in the offseason seemed to indicate they were. Regardless, it obviously didn't work. They badly overestimated the talent on their roster.

The Giants' hopes for winning the NFC East died in Dallas on Sunday evening. It was a longshot hope anyway after their 1-7 start to the season. But they were eliminated when the Cowboys beat the Eagles in overtime, 29-23.

Over the last few weeks, though, a funny thing has happened: The NFC wild-card chase has opened up. The Giants still have a shot at that. In fact, after the Seattle Seahawks beat the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, the Giants are just 1 1/2 games out of the second wild-card spot with three games to go.

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Giants eliminated from NFC East with Cowboys win

Giants need a miracle for a wild-card berth

Dec 9 | 8:03PM

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New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur looks on against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. (Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports)

The Giants were eliminated from the NFC East on Sunday despite blowing out the Washington Redskins.

The Cowboys' 29-23 overtime win over the Eagles put the Giants three games back with three games to go, and the Giants would not be able to hold the tiebreaker over Dallas even if they won their Week 17 matchup.

At 5-8, the Giants would need a miracle to clinch a wild-card berth. The Seahawks (7-5) and Vikings (6-5-1) currently hold the last two playoff spots in the NFC.

Giants' Saquon Barkley credits everyone but himself for another big performance

Barkley records 197 total yards for second time this season

Dec 9 | 6:36PM

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New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. (Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports)

Giants running back Saquon Barkley recorded 197 total yards from scrimmage for the second time this season in Sunday's 40-16 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field, yet he put others in the spotlight after the game.

"I think I've done a good job of surrounding myself with the team outside of the facility," Barkley said, according to ESPN. "Obviously, inside the facility, the trainers and the doctors do a great job, but also taking care of my body outside. You go for 170, it's not by yourself. It starts with the team. The coaches made unbelievable calls and the offensive line dominated up front."

Barkley, who became the first Giants rookie to top 1,000 rushing yards, reeled off a 78-yard touchdown run and a 52-yard gain in the second quarter, recording a career-high 170 rushing yards and getting into triple digits for the fourth straight game.

Five Questions for Giants after Week 14's blowout win over Redskins

On Lauletta, the absence of Odell, and more

The Giants beat the Redskins 40-16 in a signature win for the team that?s starting to build momentum and bring their record to 5-8

Oh, if only this Giants run had started just a little bit sooner.

That's going to be the lingering sadness about this season, now that the Giants have won for the fourth time in their last five games. They're now 5-8 after their 40-16 pounding of the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md. on Sunday. They're starting to look like the team they thought they'd be.

If only they hadn't started 1-7. If only they had held on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago...

Not only will Giants star WR Odell Beckham Jr. not be on the field in Washington this Sunday, but star S Landon Collins won't be able to help the defense after suffering a torn labrum during the team's Week 13 win over the Bears.

In turn, players will need to step up in place of these two key cogs on the Giants. For the defense, veteran Michael Thomas will see some more work next to Curtis Riley to replace Collins. But a Giants rookie in S Sean Chandler will also ramp up his work load as well.

Chandler, an undrafted rookie out of Temple, has already seen more snaps on the defensive end in recent weeks. But that responsibility will only increase with Collins out for the rest of the season...

With Odell Beckham Jr. out, Giants' Evan Engram has chance to break out

Engram wants to end season on a high note after injury battles

By Deesha Thosar | Dec 8 | 5:38PM

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Nov 18, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) with a long 4th quarter 1st down against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports (Robert Deutsch)

A key cog for the Giants is expected to return when New York faces off against the Redskins on Sunday.

All signs point to tight end Evan Engram playing his first game in weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury in late November. The injury forced Engram to miss two straight games for the Giants. Engram battled his way throughout the 2018 campaign, missing five games in his sophomore year. He suffered an MCL sprain during the Giants' Week 3 matchup against the Texans that kept him out three straight games.

Now, the 24-year-old says it's important to end his tough year on a high note -- not just for himself, but for the team.

WATCH: Should Giants win out regardless of hurting NFL draft status?

Changing the culture may be more important than draft position

Dec 7 | 11:12AM

Ralph Vacchiano debates whether the Giants should try and win out or should they worry about their draft position?

About five weeks ago it appeared as if the tank was on for the Giants as they went into their bye week at 1-7.

Yet they are 3-1 since then and have a chance at finishing the season at a respectable 8-8.

The Giants are playing much better football of late and have certainly shown some progress from last year's debacle of a season that resulted in a 3-13 record and the mid-season firings of head coach Ben McAdoo and GM Jerry Reese.

Dec 7 | 10:44AM

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. catches the ball during warm-ups before facing the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. (Danielle Parhizkaran/USA TODAY Sports)

Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. signed a five-year, $95 million extension in the offseason to make him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.

And he knows how he's spending some of it.

Beckham said in his weekly doc-series "I am more: OBJ" that in the offseason, he spends more than $300,000 investing in his body.

"I take care of my body each and every day. I put, probably, over $300,000 in my body in the offseason," Beckham said. "The goal is to get better over time, and I feel I'm only going to get better as I get older."

WATCH: Odell Beckham Jr. focused on playing spoiler if playoff hopes are shot

"I'm making sure somebody else is coming home with us"

Dec 6 | 7:06PM

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Giants are ready for Redskins00:01:02

Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley are excited to face the Redskins. Big Blue's defense has big shoes to fill without Landon Collins.

Three victories in the last four games for the New York Giants has players and fans alike thinking about the possibility of winning out to end the season. But, for now, the focus is on taking things one game at a time, according to star WR Odell Beckham Jr.

"The goal is to win all these games and see what happens," Beckham Jr. said Thursday to reporters. "You have a tough game to play against us for the last four games.

"At this point, we can only focus on Washington. There is no 'what if'. We're going out there to win, and if our season is over, I'm making sure somebody else is coming home with us."

Lauletta was supposed to appear in court on Thursday, but it was adjourned and rescheduled to Dec. 11 at Hudson County Superior Court, per NorthJersey.com's Art Stapleton.

The 23-year-old was arrested back on Oct. 30 after allegedly almost striking a cop with his vehicle while making an illegal turn in Weehawken, NJ on his way to practice. He was charged with reckless driving, disregarding an officer's directions, improper turn in marked traffic lane and failure to remain in a marked lane.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- One year ago this week, the Giants did something they once thought was unthinkable. They cleaned out, firing their coach and general manager in the middle of the season.

The decision was born of desperation. The franchise had no direction. The players were lost. And the whole operation had become the butt of jokes across the NFL nation. The Giants were 2-10 at the time.

One year and two days later, they are 4-8, which is hardly much of an improvement. But to the players, executives and team personnel who endured last season's mess, the improvement has been dramatic.

Giants RB Jonathan Stewart will remain on IR for rest of season

Stewart has been out since September due to foot injury

Dec 6 | 1:57PM

New York Giants running back Jonathan Stewart during warm up at MetLife Stadium. (Noah K. Murray/USA TODAY Sports)

The Giants did not activate running back Jonathan Stewart off injured reserve on Thursday, the final day he had before his season would officially be over.

Stewart, who suffered a foot injury in late September, practiced on Nov. 15, which permitted him three weeks before his designation to return/return to practice was up. He is almost certain to be cut in the offseason

The 31-year-old Stewart, who totaled six carries for 17 yards in three regular-season games this season, wasn't at Thursday's practice.

Collins will undergo shoulder surgery to repair partially-torn labrum

New York Giants' Landon Collins (21) returns an interception for a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)

Landon Collins should be back on a football field by this spring after he undergoes surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder sometime next week. At the very least, everyone seems certain that he'll be ready to go by training camp.

Recovery is around 4-6 months.

Dec 5 | 2:55PM

Landon Collins underwent surgery Wednesday, ending his season, will it be the end of his time in NY? It"s a big loss for NY.

Giants S Landon Collins is heading to the IR and will need season-ending surgery after suffering a partially-torn labrum during Sunday's win over the Bears, SNY's Ralph Vacchiano confirmed.

Head coach Pat Shurmur said Collins "most likely will require" surgery, but the Pro Bowler was meeting with team officials to determine the final decision on Tuesday. Recovery following the surgery is expected to be 4-6 months.

The 24-year-old received X-rays on his left shoulder that came back negative, but further testing showed there was clearly an injury.